THE New Zealand Government has opened its applications for post-graduate scholarships for school year 2021, Ambassador-designate Peter Kell said Tuesday, February 4.
Applications for 2021 scholarship intake opens from February 1 to 28 for eligible candidates from the public, private and civil society sectors.
A total of 24 qualified individuals from all over the country will be awarded scholarships to pursue post-graduate degrees on specific areas of study in New Zealand.
The scholarship will cover full tuition, living expenses, establishment allowance, medical and travel insurance, and travel to and from the Philippines.
To qualify, applicants should be 18 to 39 years of age at the time of commencing their scholarship, have at least one year of work experience (or two years if including internship and volunteer work), and agree to return to the Philippines for a minimum of two years upon completion of study.
For school year 2020, five Mindanaoans are heading to New Zealand for their post-graduate degrees, namely: Bai Nishran Candao, who is taking up Master of Science (Food Policy) in the University of Auckland; Clar Don Evangelio, Master of Earthquake Engineering in the University of Auckland; Lanz Gabriel Jabla, Master of Energy in the University of Auckland; Hans Christian Mahilum, Master of Agriculture (Horticulture) in the Massey University; and Kristelle Alina Rizardo, Master in Peace and Conflict Studies in the University of Otago.
Kell is encouraging more young people from Mindanao to apply to the scholarship program.
"We are pleased to have Kristelle and Bai Nishran, our first Moro scholars joining this year's contingent in New Zealand. I hope that more Mindanaoans, especially of Moro and indigenous background, follow their examples and take advantage of this excellent opportunity not just for their personal growth but also to assist this region upon their return," Kell said.
Priority sectors for study include post-graduate degrees in agriculture, renewable energy, disaster risk management, and public sector management including peace and conflict studies and indigenous studies.
"New Zealand universities are ranked among the top three percent in the world. We've carefully selected these sectors to ensure that Filipinos receive some of the very best of New Zealand education," Kell said.
"We are proud to be leaders and innovators in these industries. Degrees in these sectors would also equip our future Filipino graduates areas where they can best contribute to Philippine development," he added.